Gencay Sariisik

Quality Control of Turkish Calcareous Natural Stone Using the Merkont System

In this study, a new statistical derivation system named Merkont (Marble Control) was developed for the quality control of calcareous natural stone types used as industrial marble. A new classification was made via Merkont (Marble Control) system by taking into consideration the porosity values of 45 different natural stones collected from different parts of Turkey. Within the scope of this system, Analysis of Variance: Nested Sampling (Optional) method was used as the statistical system. Natural stones were classified into five different groups on the basis of porosity change. These natural stones were subjected to mineralogical-petrographical analyses for examining the relationship between this classification, porosity types, and checking the accuracy of porosity change limit values. In these analyses, porosity value of very small crystalline marbles was found to be low and the porosity value of the porous travertines was found to be significantly high. In addition, variance range and standard deviation values of each group were reflected in the quality control curve. It was concluded that as the variance range increased, in turn, the quality decreased in parallel with the increase in porosity values of the natural stones.

Investigation of the cutting performance of the natural stone block production in quarries with armed-chain cutting machine

This study examined the block production and cutting performance of a new, domestically produced arm-type quarry chain saw (Demmak ZK-6800). A pilot study was conducted with an armed-chain cutting machine, as an alternative to the diamond wire cutting method, to increase efficiency of block production in natural stone. In order to increase cutting speed performance, the study determined the most appropriately shaped cutting tips of the chain (4 and 8 edges) and their rates of wear. Production rate and mean cutter end consumption were identified in different natural stone quarries. Accordingly, production rate was calculated as 18.75 m2/h in travertine, 9 m2/h in natural stone and 12 m2/h in marble. Mean cutter end consumption was calculated as 0.264 p/m2. It was observed that use of the machine, particularly in natural stone quarries, resulted in production of a larger number of blocks at a lower cost per unit time. It was calculated that block efficiency in natural stone quarries increased to 60–80% values with the use of the armed-chained cutting machine.

Determining Performance of Marble Finished Products on Their Usage Areas by a New Impact-Resistance Test Method

This study determined the performances of marble finished products, in accordance with their applications within the construction sector, using a new, experimental impact-resistance test. Eight different kinds of marbles, which were categorized according to their commonly used formations, were subjected to a range of characterization tests (mineralogical and petrographic characteristics, chemical properties, and physical and mechanical properties) and their impact-resistance characteristics were determined. The results were analyzed statistically to determine the relationship between physical and mechanical properties of the marbles and their impact-resistance characteristics. The breaking potential of the marbles were categorized according to the number of impacts and impact-resistance values. The performance of the marble types within their areas of application were determined by taking into consideration the Turkish Standards Institution (TS EN) guidance and statistical analysis results, and classifying the marbles based on their physical and mechanical properties and impact resistances.

Classification of Parameters Affecting Impact Resistance of Natural Stones

This study used various test methods to analyze the impact resistance of marble, limestone, and travertine to determine their breaking potential when they are used for interior and exterior floor covering. A total of 17 kinds of natural rocks (7 marbles, 5 travertines, and 5 limestones) were categorized according to their commonly used geological formations and were subjected to various characterization tests (mineralogical and petrographic characteristics, chemical properties, as well as physical and mechanical properties). The rupture energy caused by an impact on natural rocks was determined according to the BS EN 14158 standard, whereas restitution coefficients were determined according to the BS EN ISO 10545-5 standard. The impact resistance, rupture energy, and restitution coefficient of polished natural stone plates that were used in the tests were statistically analyzed. The parameters that affected these variables of natural rocks were plate thickness, mineralogical and petrographic characteristics, and physical and mechanical properties. Finally, the potential fractures of the specimens were classified based on impact resistance, rupture energy, and restitution coefficient.

Slip safety risk analysis of surface properties using the coefficients of friction of rocks

This study was conducted to determine the most appropriate surface processing techniques (SPT), environmental conditions (EC) and surface roughness (SR) to minimize the risk of slipping when pedestrians walk on a floor covering of rocks barefoot and with shoes. Coefficients of friction (COFs) and values of SR were found using five different types of rocks, four SPT and two (ramp and pendulum) tests. Results indicate that the parameters which affect the COF values of rocks include SR, EC and SPT. Simple linear regression was performed to examine the relationship between the values of the COF and the SR. The value of the COF was identified as R2 ≥ 0.864. Statistical results, which are based on experimental measurements, show that rocks are classified according to their safe use areas depending on their COF and SR values.